Wildfire

The eastern portion of Culver City is considered a wildland-urban interface. A wildland-urban interface is defined as anywhere the growth and spread of a fire may begin in a brush or wildland region, and then quickly enter an urban environment.

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. These fires are usually triggered by lightning or accidents. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now - before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area.

High Fire Hazard Zones

Certain properties located in the Culver Crest area have been identified by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CAL Fire) as being in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 51178.5 and 51179 (a through g), the City is required to notify the public of this designation and formally adopt a local ordinance designating this area as a VHFHSZ. View a map showing the homes in the VHFHSZ online or visit the Community Risk Reduction Division on the second floor of City Hall to learn more. You may also view the map and learn about the requirements on the State Fire Marshal’s website. In brief, properties in the designated area are required to:

Meet State brush clearance/defensible space requirements—the fire department has been sending out brush clearance letters and inspecting homes in this area for many years, so this should not be a big change for most homeowners.

All new structures built in the area will need to comply with specific CA Building Code requirements including: ignition resistant construction, fire retardant roofing materials, enclosed eves, vent mesh requirements, exterior wall coverings, windows and doors, and decking materials.

Property owners will also have to disclose the VHFHSZ designation when transferring property ownership, through either Local Option Real Estate Disclosure Statement or the Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement.

Brush Clearance Requirements

The first 30 feet around or adjacent to ANY structure shall be maintained completely free from native brush or hazardous vegetation with the exception of specimen native shrubs.

All native brush or hazardous vegetation from 30 feet to 100 feet of ANY structure shall be maintained at a height of not more than 18 inches and not less than 3 inches in order to maintain an adequate firebreak. You are responsible for clearance on your property only.

You may retain Specimen Native Shrubs throughout the one hundred feet provided:

All native brush within 10 feet of any usable road surface shall be maintained at a height of not more than 18 inches but not less than 3 inches above ground level.

Trees, shrubs, brushes, or other vegetation adjacent to or overhanging any structure shall be maintained free of dead limbs and other combustible mater.

Trees shall be maintained free of substantial accumulations of leaves, needles, twigs, and any other combustible mater.

All weeds and dry grass within 10 feet from any roadway of combustible fence shall not exceed a maximum of 3 inches in height.

All cut vegetation and debris shall be removed and legally disposed. All vegetation, native or otherwise, shall be maintained so as not to constitute a fire hazard or public nuisance.